National Lemon Bar Day

National Lemon Bar Day is celebrated each year on October 15. It’s a day dedicated to the sweet and tangy dessert that brings a bit of sunshine to the table—lemon bars, also known as lemon squares. With their buttery shortbread crust and bright lemon filling, these treats have earned a special place in many hearts (and recipe boxes).

History of National Lemon Bar Day

This fun food holiday was created in 2019 by Michael McCarthy. After baking lemon bars for a fundraiser and discovering how many people had never tried one before, he decided the dessert deserved its own day of recognition. What began as a small effort to spread the lemony love has since caught on with home bakers, dessert fans, and food bloggers alike.

The lemon bar itself, however, has been around longer. One of the first widely shared recipes appeared in a Chicago newspaper in the early 1960s, and since then, the dessert has become a staple at bake sales, potlucks, and kitchen counters across the country. Its simple elegance—a crisp base and a smooth, citrusy topping—makes it a classic that’s easy to love.

Why is National Lemon Bar Day important?

It’s more than just an excuse to indulge—though that’s part of the charm. National Lemon Bar Day is about celebrating the joy of homemade treats, the creativity of baking, and the pleasure of sharing good food with others. Lemon bars have a way of making people smile with their balance of sweet and tart. They’re the kind of dessert that’s easy to bring to a gathering and even easier to enjoy.

Celebrating this day is also a reminder of how food connects us. Whether you’re passing down a family recipe, discovering lemon bars for the first time, or tweaking the classic formula with your own twist, it’s a chance to express yourself through flavor. And in a world that moves fast, slowing down to bake and savor something so simple is its own kind of happiness.

• It encourages people to bake and share lemon bars
• It invites experimentation with flavors (e.g. zest, crust variations)
• It brings communities together through food
• It highlights culinary tradition and home cooking
• It gives lemon lovers a moment to celebrate their favorite dessert

How to Observe National Lemon Bar Day

Naturally, the best way to celebrate is by making lemon bars. All you need are fresh lemons, some basic pantry ingredients, and a little patience. Whether you go for a classic recipe or try something new—adding lavender, coconut, or gluten-free options—the process of baking and sharing is part of the fun.

You could also host a dessert swap or tasting with friends. Try a few variations side-by-side, talk about what you love most in a lemon bar, or invite people to vote for their favorite. If baking isn’t your thing, you can always support a local bakery by picking up a few squares to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea.

• Bake a batch of lemon bars from scratch
• Share your recipe or swap versions with friends
• Host a small tasting or dessert exchange
• Buy lemon bars from a local bakery and enjoy them with others
• Post photos and tips on social media to inspire more bakers

National Lemon Bar Day Dates Table